**Saltnes Double Helps Bodo/Glimt Shock Lazio in Freezing Europa League Quarter-Final Clash**
Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt pulled off a stunning and fully deserved victory over Italian giants Lazio in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final, taking a significant step toward a potential historic upset.
In frigid conditions north of the Arctic Circle, the hosts delivered a spirited and tactically disciplined performance, breaking the deadlock just moments after the restart. Ulrik Saltnes gave Bodø/Glimt the lead in the 47th minute with a scrappy close-range finish, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.
The captain then doubled the advantage in the 69th minute with a moment of real class, delicately lobbing Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas after latching onto a clever chipped pass from Jens Petter Hauge. It was Saltnes’ second goal of this season’s European campaign and one that underlined Bodø/Glimt’s control of the match.
Saltnes nearly completed a memorable hat-trick in the 83rd minute when he burst through on goal, only to be denied by an excellent save from Mandas. The Lazio shot-stopper was called into action again in stoppage time, pulling off another sharp save to keep out a powerful volley from defender Odin Bjørthuft.
Despite late resistance from the visitors, the two goals were a fair reflection of Bodø/Glimt’s dominance. The Norwegian side, who outplayed their more illustrious opponents with energy, composure, and intelligent pressing, now take a valuable two-goal lead into the second leg in Rome next Thursday, where they will look to complete one of the tournament’s most unexpected triumphs.
